Open Bar Catering in Italy for Luxury Weddings & International Events

An elegant open bar is an essential part of a memorable wedding reception in Italy. For international couples, especially from the United States and the United Kingdom, the quality of the bar service is a defining element of the guest experience.

At P & J EVENTS, open bar catering is conceived as a curated hospitality experience, seamlessly integrated into the overall wedding design. From classic cocktails to modern mixology, from refined American Bar service to extended multi-day celebrations, every detail is planned to meet the expectations of a luxury international clientele.

An open bar is not simply a service. It is a social, emotional and atmospheric driver of the entire event. It accompanies guests during welcome moments, aperitivo, dinner transitions, after-party and late-night celebrations, ensuring continuity, elegance and comfort.

For destination weddings in Italy, the open bar becomes a bridge between Italian lifestyle and international standards of service.

Italy is the birthplace of some of the most iconic cocktails in the world. Including Italian-born cocktails in a wedding open bar allows couples to offer guests a genuine cultural experience.

Iconic Italian Cocktails

Negroni – Florence, 1919
Created at Caffè Casoni, the Negroni is a timeless symbol of Italian elegance and one of the most requested cocktails worldwide.

Americano – Milan
A lighter, refined aperitivo cocktail, perfect for daytime events.

Negroni Sbagliato – Milan
A softer and sparkling variation, particularly popular with American and British guests.

Bellini – Venice
Prosecco and white peach purée, ideal for welcome cocktails and brunch weddings.

Spritz Veneziano
The modern Italian aperitivo icon, fresh and accessible.

Garibaldi
Campari and fresh orange juice, vibrant and unmistakably Italian.

These cocktails are especially appreciated by couples seeking an authentic Italian wedding atmosphere.

Luxury cocktail culture continues to evolve toward quality, sustainability and personalization. The most requested trends for 2026–2027 include:

• Low-alcohol and zero-proof cocktails
• Mediterranean and botanical ingredients
• Negroni variations (barrel-aged, white, smoked)
• Premium tequila and mezcal cocktails
• Fermented ingredients, shrubs and house infusions
• Minimalist, transparent cocktails with refined aesthetics

These trends allow couples to create a bar that feels modern, exclusive and forward-looking.

Professional Bartenders

Professional bartenders focus on:

• Technical precision
• Balance and consistency
• Discreet, elegant guest interaction

Ideal for:

• Luxury weddings
• Black-tie events
• Historic villas and prestigious venues
• Clients seeking a refined international service style

Flair Bartenders (Acrobatic Bartending)

Flair bartenders add a strong entertainment element:

• Bottle juggling and choreography
• High-energy performances
• Visual impact during after-parties

Best suited for:

• Destination weddings
• Beach and poolside events
• Dynamic celebrations and late-night parties

Bartender style is always selected according to the overall wedding concept.

Classic Open Bar

• Continuous service
• Curated cocktail selection
• Ideal for receptions and evening celebrations

American Bar

• Order-based cocktail preparation
• Technical execution and refined presentation
• Perfect for sophisticated international weddings

Extended & Multi-Day Open Bar Service

For destination weddings and multi-day events:

• Welcome bar
• Pool or beach bar
• Night bar and after-party
• Late-night and early-morning service

This guarantees hospitality at any time, aligned with American and London-based expectations.

Choosing the right spirits is one of the most important decisions when designing a wedding open bar. Different couples have different priorities: some focus on iconic labels, others on balance and mixability, others on ultra-luxury statement brands.

For this reason, Regency structures bar programs using three clear quality levels, allowing couples to make informed and transparent choices.

Variants, Styles and Quality Levels

Whiskey selection is particularly important for American and British guests, who often expect both familiarity and quality.

Standard Quality Whiskey

Reliable, internationally known brands, ideal for classic cocktails and high-volume service.

• Jack Daniel’s
• Jameson Irish Whiskey
• Johnnie Walker Red Label
• J&B Rare

High Quality Whiskey

Refined and well-balanced options, suitable for premium open bars and cocktail-focused service.

• Chivas Regal 12 Years
• Johnnie Walker Black Label
• Maker’s Mark
• Woodford Reserve

Ultra High Quality Whiskey (Luxury Premium)

Iconic labels, often served neat or on the rocks, ideal for VIP bars and luxury weddings.

• The Macallan (Sherry Oak or Double Cask range)
• Lagavulin 16 Years
• Glenfiddich 18 Years
• Yamazaki Single Malt

From Classic London Dry to Luxury Craft

Gin is one of the most requested spirits by UK and US wedding guests.

Standard Quality Gin

Clean, classic and perfect for Gin & Tonic or simple cocktails.

• Gordon’s Gin
• Beefeater
• Tanqueray London Dry
• Bombay Sapphire

High Quality Gin

More aromatic and complex, ideal for premium Gin & Tonic menus.

• Hendrick’s
• Tanqueray No. Ten
• Martin Miller’s
• Citadelle Gin

Ultra High Quality Gin (Luxury Premium)

Artisanal and iconic gins, often chosen by connoisseurs.

• Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
• Gin Mare
• Hendrick’s Orbium

Neutral Elegance and Luxury Statements

Vodka remains a cornerstone of international open bars, especially for American clientele.

Standard Quality Vodka

Smooth, versatile and internationally familiar.

• Absolut Vodka
• Smirnoff Red
• Finlandia
• Wyborowa

High Quality Vodka

Premium vodkas designed for luxury mixology.

• Belvedere
• Grey Goose
• Stolichnaya Elit
• Ketel One

Ultra High Quality Vodka (Luxury Premium)

Statement vodkas, often selected for VIP service or neat consumption.

• Beluga Noble
• Beluga Gold Line

From Classic Margaritas to Ultra-Premium Sipping Tequila

Tequila and mezcal are increasingly popular among American and London-based couples.

Standard Quality Tequila

Perfect for Margaritas and classic cocktails.

• Jose Cuervo Especial
• Olmeca Blanco
• Sauza Silver

High Quality Tequila

Smooth, well-structured tequilas suitable for refined cocktails.

• Patrón Silver
• Don Julio Blanco
• Herradura Reposado

Ultra High Quality Tequila (Luxury Premium)

Prestige tequilas, ideal for sipping and VIP bars.

• Don Julio 1942
• Clase Azul Reposado

From Classic Mixology to Prestige Bottles

Rum adds versatility and warmth to an international open bar.

Standard Quality Rum

Ideal for Mojitos, Daiquiris and tropical cocktails.

• Bacardi Carta Blanca
• Havana Club 3 Years
• Captain Morgan Spiced

High Quality Rum

More structured and aromatic rums.

• Appleton Estate Signature
• Mount Gay Eclipse
• Plantation Original Dark

Ultra High Quality Rum (Luxury Premium)

Prestige rums, often enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

• Ron Zacapa 23
• Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
• Santa Teresa 1796

These spirits complete a well-balanced open bar:

• Campari
• Aperol
• Cointreau / Triple Sec
• Amaretto Disaronno
• Baileys Irish Cream
• Sambuca
• Limoncello (Italian specialty)

Some couples prefer a uniform quality level across the bar. Others choose:

• Standard spirits for most cocktails
• High quality spirits for signature drinks
• Ultra high quality bottles for VIP or tasting moments

This flexibility allows P & J EVENTS to design an open bar that reflects personal taste, budget priorities and guest profile, while maintaining a consistently elegant service.

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This guide helps couples visualize and select their ideal cocktail menu.

Signature cocktails are tailor-made drinks created exclusively for the couple. They can be inspired by:

• Personal stories and travels
• Favorite spirits or flavors
• Wedding colors or themes
• Italian or Mediterranean ingredients

Signature cocktails add a deeply personal and memorable touch to the open bar experience.